Near-life experiences

In his ten years as a columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, Jon Carroll has turned his insight and wit toward a keener understanding of life in the modern world. From Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to the depletion of the ozone layer; from the spectacle of professional sports and the glories of gardening to the outrage of politics and the profound bonds of family, this collection of 100 of Jon Carroll's most captivating columns covers topics both personal and universal and is sure to appeal to dedicated Carroll fans as well as those new to his work.